Dear Camp Judaea Community,

Today and tomorrow, as we mark Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut, our hearts are filled with reverence, gratitude, and hope. Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut feel different this year. We pray that the hostages get released. We pray for peace on college campuses and send strength to everyone who is fighting their own battle in the face of antisemitism. These days serve as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made and the resilience shown in the journey toward the establishment and preservation of the State of Israel.

In just 28 days, our campers will arrive for First Session of Summer 2024 at Camp Judaea. Each summer, we are reminded that CJ is more than just a camp; we are a vibrant community, deeply rooted in Jewish values and connections to Israel. Our mission to nurture a strong Jewish identity and foster a profound love for Israel is embedded in everything we do. Accordingly, our commitment to an Israel-centered program grounded in experiential education is stronger than ever.

For Summer 2024:

• We have our largest Mishlachat (delegation of Israeli staff) to date and have expanded our Israeli Culture staff.
• Our new Chinuch (education) team of four educators per session will expand Jewish and Israel education across our program.
• Our updated Peulah Eda (age group educational program) themes are more centered in Israel education, using a spiral-curriculum approach.
• We are infusing more Hebrew throughout our program through a new partnership with Kayitz Kef, a program of Brandeis University.
• Our Professional Staff is better prepared for this summer, thanks to collaborations with the Foundation for Jewish Camp, Jewish Agency for Israel, the iCenter for Israel Education, ADL, and Hillel International.
• Joseph and I traveled to Israel and three members of our Hanhallah (leadership team) are traveling to Israel next week for a training program. We would all be happy to talk about our experience, please feel free to reach out.

As we come together to commemorate Yom HaZikaron, we honor the memories of those who gave their lives to defend Israel and ensure its existence – and those who continue to fight today. And as we transition from remembrance to celebration on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, we recognize and cherish Israel’s independence. May the values we instill, the memories we create, and the bonds we forge at Camp Judaea inspire us to honor the past, embrace the present, and shape future leaders at CJ with optimism and resilience.

L’Shalom,

Lori Zeligman
Camp Judaea Director